How is photosynthesis different than cellular respiration?
A:The process involves water.
B:The process involves carbon dioxide.
C:The process involves light.
D:The process involves oxygen.
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two different processes that occur in living organisms.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose (a sugar) and oxygen. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and uses the energy from sunlight to drive the reaction. In photosynthesis, water and carbon dioxide are the reactants, and glucose and oxygen are the products.
On the other hand, cellular respiration is the process by which cells use glucose and oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process occurs in the mitochondria of cells. In cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen are the reactants, and carbon dioxide, water, and ATP are the products.
Comparing the options provided:
A: Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration involve water. Water is used as a reactant in photosynthesis and produced as a product in cellular respiration.
B: Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration involve carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is used as a reactant in photosynthesis and produced as a product in cellular respiration.
C: Only photosynthesis involves light. Light energy is required for the conversion of water and carbon dioxide to glucose and oxygen in photosynthesis.
D: Only cellular respiration involves oxygen. Oxygen is used as a reactant in cellular respiration and produced as a product in photosynthesis.
Thus, the correct answer is C: The process involves light.